Lexical Summary epimenó: To remain, to continue, to persist, to stay Original Word: ἐπιμένω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance abide in, continue in, tarry. From epi and meno; to stay over, i.e. Remain (figuratively, persevere) -- abide (in), continue (in), tarry. see GREEK epi see GREEK meno HELPS Word-studies 1961 epiménō (from 1909 /epí, "on, fitting," which intensifies 3306 /ménō, "remain, persist") – properly, continue on with persistence that suits the objective. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and menó Definition to stay on NASB Translation continue (4), continued (1), persevere (1), persisted (1), remain (4), stay (2), stayed (3), staying (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1961: ἐπιμένωἐπιμένω; (imperfect ἐπέμενον); future ἐπιμένω; 1 aorist ἐπέμεινα; to stay at or with; to tarry still; still to abide, to continue, remain; a. properly, of tarrying in a place: ἐν Ἐφέσῳ, 1 Corinthians 16:8; ἐν τῇ σαρκί, to live still longer on earth Philippians 1:24 (G T WH omit ἐν); αὐτοῦ, there, Acts 15:34 (Rec.); b. tropically, to persevere, continue; with the dative of the thing continued in (cf. Winer's De verb. comp. etc. Part ii., p. 10f): τῇ ἁμαρτία, Romans 6:1; τῇ ἀπιστία, Romans 11:23; τῇ πίστει, Colossians 1:23; in the work of teaching, 1 Timothy 4:16 (τῷ μή ἀδικεῖν, Xenophon, oec. 14, 7; τῇ μνηστεία, Aelian v. h. 10, 15); with the dative of the blessing for which one keeps himself fit: τῇ χάριτι, Acts 13:43 Rec.; τῇ χρηστότητι, Romans 11:22; with a participle denoting the action persisted in: John 8:7 Rec.; Acts 12:16; cf. Buttmann, 299f (257); (Winer's Grammar, § 54, 4). Strong’s Greek 1961 conveys an emphatic form of “remaining.” By adding the preposition ἐπί to μένω, the writers highlight purposeful, deliberate persistence. The term serves both literal scenes of lodging and travel as well as exhortations to moral or doctrinal perseverance. In every setting it underscores a conscious decision to stay rather than move on. Literal Staying in Travels and Hospitality Luke uses the verb repeatedly to describe the apostles’ travel arrangements. Perseverance in Apostolic Mission Galatians 1:18 notes Paul “stayed with Cephas fifteen days.” The deliberate length allowed careful examination of the gospel he preached, reinforcing apostolic unity. In Philippians 1:24 he writes, “it is more necessary for your sake that I remain in the body,” revealing that the choice to stay—or depart to be with Christ—serves the Church’s edification. Moral Continuance: Sin Versus Faith The verb becomes sharply theological in Romans 6:1: “What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin so that grace may increase?” Paul condemns any notion of ongoing rebellion under grace. By contrast Romans 11:22-23 balances divine kindness and severity: “Provided that you continue in His kindness… and they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in.” Continuance determines covenant standing. Likewise Colossians 1:23 calls believers to remain “established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel.” Here epimeno marks perseverance as evidence of authentic faith. Pastoral Exhortations to Watchfulness 1 Timothy 4:16 commands, “Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching. Persevere in these things, for in doing so you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” Persistence safeguards leader and flock alike. John 8:7 depicts hostile persistence: “But when they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said, ‘Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone.’” The contrast warns that obstinate pressure can expose one’s own sin. Eschatological and Covenantal Dimensions Romans 11 draws epimeno into salvation-history. Gentile believers must continue in God’s kindness; Israel’s hope of regrafting depends on ceasing in unbelief. The verb thus straddles present perseverance and eschatological fulfillment. Ministry and Church Life Applications 1. Strategic presence: Mission often advances through decisive staying rather than rapid movement. Historical Notes on Usage in Koine Greek Classical writers employed the compound for siege warfare (“hold one’s ground”). In the Septuagint it occasionally renders verbs of abiding in covenant. The New Testament writers harness this background to portray spiritual steadfastness amid opposition. Summary of Key References Acts 10:48; 12:16; 15:34; 21:4,10; 28:12,14; Galatians 1:18; John 8:7; Romans 6:1; 11:22,23; 1 Corinthians 16:7,8; Philippians 1:24; Colossians 1:23; 1 Timothy 4:16. In every occurrence 1961 centers on intentional, often faith-driven persistence—whether staying in a city, standing firm in doctrine, or refusing to continue in sin. Englishman's Concordance John 8:7 V-IIA-3PGRK: ὡς δὲ ἐπέμενον ἐρωτῶντες αὐτόν NAS: But when they persisted in asking KJV: So when they continued asking him, INT: as moreover they continued asking him Acts 10:48 V-ANA Acts 12:16 V-IIA-3S Acts 15:34 V-ANA Acts 21:4 V-AIA-1P Acts 21:10 V-PPA-GMP Acts 28:12 V-AIA-1P Acts 28:14 V-ANA Romans 6:1 V-PSA-1P Romans 11:22 V-PSA-2S Romans 11:23 V-PSA-3P 1 Corinthians 16:7 V-ANA 1 Corinthians 16:8 V-FIA-1S Galatians 1:18 V-AIA-1S Philippians 1:24 V-PNA Colossians 1:23 V-PIA-2P 1 Timothy 4:16 V-PMA-2S Strong's Greek 1961 |
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